Volunteer with Girls on the Run NYC for the end-of-season 5K Celebration!
The Girls on the Run NYC 5K celebrates our program participants and their 10-week season of learning about the importance of taking care of our emotional and physical health. As girls from across the city come together to achieve their goals on 5K day, they depend on volunteers like you to help them shine! All volunteers must complete a background check (paid for by GOTR NYC).
7:00am Start: Bus Captains
Before the run starts, the bus captains will be stationed at 125th Street and Lexington Avenue to greet participants and ensure that they safely and efficiently board the buses that will take them to Icahn Stadium. The bus captains will take the last bus to Icahn Stadium and then offer course support. After the race is complete, the bus captains oversee the process of participants re-boarding the bus for the trip back to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. All volunteers must complete a background check.
7:30am Start: Field Team Leaders
Field Team Leaders will instruct and oversee a group of volunteers on the set up/break down of team site flags, manages the start & finish line, and support program participants safely back to their site flags after the 5K. Heavy lifting of sandbags will be required. This is a critical role and we encourage you to join us early in the morning. All volunteers must complete a background check.
7:30am Start: Field Team —> Entrance/Exit Gate Support
Field team volunteers set up and break down team site flags, manage our exciting start and finish line, and support program participants as they complete the 5K by guiding them safely back to their site flags. Heavy lifting of sandbags will be required. This is a critical role and we encourage you to join us early in the morning. All volunteers must complete a background check.
8:00am Start: Bike/Safety Team –> Route Management
The bike/safety team plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of all participants on the course throughout the 5K. This team is typically made up of highly proficient cyclists who patrol the course, monitor for any incidents, and provide quick assistance when needed. They also lead the course setup and assist other event volunteers by making sure water stations, start/finish lines, or other key areas are running smoothly and safely. All volunteers must complete a background check.
8:00am Start: Registration Leads
Registration Leads oversee coach, volunteer, and runner check-in—and manage the day-of registration station which consists of registering runners that did not preregister for the event. For day of registration, we will provide an Ipad to aid online registration and payments. The leads will also manage the cash box at day of registration. As the lead you will set up the station, keep the lines moving and provide a warm welcome. All volunteers must complete a background check.
8:00am Start: Runner/Coach Check-In and Day of Registration Support --> Field Food
Registration volunteers may be placed at coach, volunteer or runner check in. They may also be placed at day-of registration which consists of registering runners that did not preregister for the event. For day of registration, we will provide an Ipad to aid online registration and payments. After registration and check in are complete, volunteers will help on the field when the 5K run/walk begins. All volunteers must complete a background check.
8:00am Start: Activity Station Leads
Activity Station Leads manage a fun, high-energy station (e.g., Bling Your Bib, Photo Booth, Bag Check, or the GOTR Shop). You’ll set up your station, brief your volunteers, keep materials stocked, and ensure a smooth closeout before redeploying to help on finish line or course support once the 5K begins. If at GOTR Shop, they will use an Ipad to accept square payments, and manage the cash box. All activity station tables are open between 9:00am - 9:45am (the GOTR Shop and Bag Check re-opens at 10:50am). All volunteers must complete a background check.
8:00am Start: Activity Station Teams –> Finish Line/Course Support
Activity station volunteers help generate excitement for the girls and families with fun activities before the 5K begins. They will oversee one of a variety of fun stations such as "Bling your Bib" or the Photo Booth. They may also oversee Bag Check or the GOTR Shop. If at GOTR Shop, they will use an Ipad to accept square payments, and manage the cash box. All activity station tables are open between 9:00am - 9:45am (the GOTR Shop and Bag Check re-opens at 10:50am). After activity stations are closed, volunteers will help break down their station and then offer support at the finish line or the course when the 5K run/walk begins. All volunteers must complete a background check.
9:00am Start: Course Marshal Leaders
Course Marshal Leaders supervise a team of Course Marshals stationed along the route. You’ll place volunteers at key points (turns, crossings, water station approaches, finish approach), keep the course safe and cheerful, and coordinate with Operations via radio. In this role, you may need to walk up to 1.5 miles. All volunteers must complete a background check.
9:00am Start: Course Marshals/Cheer Zone Teams
Course cheer zone teams serve as cheerleaders along the course as they support program participants and their running buddies! They also help to ensure the safety of all participants. As a Course Marshal, you can chalk inspirational messages, hold up cheer signs, or use a cowbell to make some noise on the course! In this role, you may need to walk up to 1.5 miles. All volunteers must complete a background check.
9:00am Start: Water Station Team
The water station team sets up cups of water at the water station before the run begins. They then pass out water to runners along the course. After the last runner passes, the team helps with cleanup of the station.All volunteers must complete a background check.
9:30am Start: Sparkle Runners
Sparkle Runners run/walk the course while supporting GOTR girls along the way with cheers, encouragement, and smiles! All Sparkle Runners must complete a background check. The Sparkle Runner registration fee is $25.
Place Me Anywhere!
Any of the above roles sound great to you and you're willing to help out where we need you most! All volunteers must complete a background check.